Research Fellowship

We are inviting expressions of interest from Clinicians working within Derbyshire to support General Practice as a research fellow supporting the current research lead, working closely with the Research Lead and Manager, GP Provider Board (GPPB) and other stakeholders to increase research activity and sustainability.  

The Research Fellow will be a registered and active clinician (preferably from a nursing, advanced practice, or pharmacist background). 

Home Research Fellowship

Background 

Primary care is the frontline of healthcare, serving as the first point of contact for most patients and offering unparalleled opportunities for impactful, community-based research. Yet, despite its strategic importance, primary care research remains under-supported. NIHR and other bodies have highlighted the need to increase research activity in general practice. However, practices often lack the capacity and expertise necessary to participate at the level needed for growth, sustainability and impact.  

Currently, Derbyshire has several Research Active Practices with a few developing collaborations but mainly led by GPs with specific interest, working independently. The team consists of a GP Research Lead working 6 hours per week and there is recruitment of a managerial lead for 7 hours per week. To build on this foundation, we propose a Fellowship to support a Research Active Practice increasing the scope and impact of their work and sharing best practice alongside the existing team. 

This aligns with: 

  • The NHS Confederation’s findings in Understanding the Primary Care Research Landscape, which emphasise the shift from secondary to primary care research, the role of integrated neighbourhood teams, and the importance of portfolio careers and infrastructure support. 

Team Objectives 

  • Increase research activity within the host practice and potentially PCNs 
  • Provide peer support and capacity-building across Derbyshire practices
  • Establish a sustainable model for primary care research leadership
  • Explore the financial viability of clinical research roles, especially from nursing and allied health backgrounds

The Expectations 

 The Fellow will: 

  • Lead and expand research activity within their practice and potentially the PCN
  • Act as a resource for other practices and PCNs
  • Support peer development and mentoring
  • Work alongside the GP Research Lead and Research Manager  

 

Role Eligibility Criteria 

All applicants must: 

  • Be able to commit to working 8 hours per week/ 2 sessions per week across 12 months and potentially a 6-month extension.
  • Be from a research active practice
  • A clinician in a permanent role, locum or bank but working in Derbyshire and actively registered with appropriate professional body
  • Clinicians include GP, ACP, Nurse, Pharmacist or other skilled clinical role
  • Planning to stay in Derbyshire for at least the next 5 years
  • Intending to complete the Fellowship in addition to existing clinical sessions (i.e. a net gain)
  • Not be subject to interim suspension under section 41A of the Medical Act 1983
  • Commit to allocated time and follow the Hub+ QI process including adhering to quarterly project reporting schedule
  • Able to work independently and collaboratively 
  • Able to communicate effectively
  • Committed to the principles of Inclusive Leadership. 

Our Offer 

Hours: 2 sessions per week or 8 hours per week 

Duration: Fellowship contract up to 31st March 2027. Pending on budget, progress and re-procurement, fellows may be extended past 31st March 2027. 

Location: Hybrid – Base site RTC, RTC Business Park, London Road, Derby 

Contract type: Fellowship agreement as individual contractor paid directly or third-party contractor paid through GP Practice/PCN/Employing organisation. 

Approx rates: Up to £10k per session, total funding £20,000 per fellowship dependent on current salary and experience 

Support and Development 

The fellow will be supported by The Hub Plus. They will have access to mentorship, learning resources, and opportunities to contribute to national policy and practice development. 

Applications 

Interested? Please click here. Once you have completed the expression of interest form, please email your CV and a Cover Letter to ddlmc.thehubplus@nhs.net. The closing date 01st January 2026 outlining your interest in this fellowship. Interviews TBC in January 2026.